KUALA LUMPUR (June 6): Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) Malaysia has appointed Ahmad Zairin Ismail as its new chairman, effective from May 15.

In a statement on Tuesday (June 6), Seda said it is confident that Ahmad Zairin will be able to spearhead the country’s sustainable energy agenda in the country, and achieve the target to increase the share of renewable energy (RE) in the national installed capacity mix to 31% by 2025, and 40% by 2035.

“Seda looks forward to Ahmad Zairin's leadership to further drive the sustainable energy agenda to greater heights.

“His extensive industry background and profound expertise in the energy sector are highly pertinent qualities that bring significant value to Seda,” it said, adding that Ahmad Zairin had more than 20 years of experience in the energy industry.

He joined the Malaysia Energy Centre, a non-profit organisation under the Ministry of Energy in 1999, to drive various national initiatives in energy efficiency and RE in Malaysia.

Previously, he served as the chief operating officer and a senior vice-president of the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation.

During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of the United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility-funded National Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement Project and the Biomass Power Generation and Cogeneration Project in the palm oil industry.

Ahmad Zairin was also honoured with the Excellence in Energy Management award under the Asean Energy Cooperation Programme in recognition of his exceptional leadership in the energy sector.